So, what is a Foodle dog? The Foodle dog is a cross between the spunky little Toy Fox Terrier and the versatile Poodle.
This adorable designer dog inherits the best traits from both parent breeds and is a great choice for those looking for an excellent family pet.
Foodles are active, energetic, friendly, and playful dogs that get along well with nearly everyone in the family. They also get along well with other pets in the family.
They are affectionate dogs with a natural inclination to be territorial. They will always watch over their home and family, ensuring any stranger arriving is greeted with a loud chorus of barking.
These intelligent dogs are easy to train and love to please their owners.
They have an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years, making them a long-term companion for any dog-loving family.
They come in various colors, such as cream, tan, white, black, or a combination of these colors. They are also considered hypoallergenic, thanks to their low-shedding coats.
This makes them an excellent choice for people with dog allergies. If you plan to add a Foodle dog to your family, you have come to the right place.
We will discuss everything you need to know about the Foodle dogs, including their appearance, personality, grooming needs, and health issues. Keep reading to learn more.
Foodle Dog History
As with most other doodle dogs, there is little documented evidence about when the Foodle dog was first developed.
However, we all know the breed results from crossing a Fox Terrier and a Poodle. Both breeds have a rich history that spans centuries.
To understand the history and background of the Foodle dog, we must understand the history of both parent breeds.
The Fox Terrier
The Fox Terrier originated in England in the 1700s. It was a hunting companion that helped its wealthy English owners to hunt foxes.
Fox hunts were as much a ceremony as they were a sport. Hunters would gather in regal attire and bring horses, drink, and food to the field. The affair placed a special level of importance on the Fox Terrier.
These dogs are funny, friendly, and very intelligent. They have even excelled in show business, with many movies and television shows rocketing them to stardom during the 1930s and 1940s.
An interesting thing about the Fox Terrier is that it comprises two sub-breeds: the Smooth Fox Terrier and the Wire Fox Terrier, despite being similar in every other way except for their coat.
The Smooth Fox Terrier and the Wire Fox Terrier have long been considered separate breeds in the United Kingdom, with the United States following suit and dividing the two in 1985.
The Smooth Fox Terrier is also called “smooth” and has a pointed or V-shaped head. It is widely known for its smooth coat.
On the other hand, the Wire Fox Terrier, or “wire,” has a wiry coat and a less pointed head.
The Poodle
The Poodle is one of the most popular and oldest dog breeds. Poodles have a rich history that dates back more than 400 years ago.
While they are often mistaken for being French natives, they originated in Germany. They come in three distinct sizes: Toy, Miniature, and Standard.
Poodles were originally bred to be water-fowl hunters and retrievers. They evolved as strong and intelligent dogs. They are eager to please their owners, making them easy to train.
The Poodle is one of the most sought-after dog breeds, thanks to their hypoallergenic coats paired with excellent qualities.
The America Kennel Club (AKC) ranks them as one of the most popular dog breeds in the USA. Over the last few years, they have been crossed with other dog breeds to create Poodle mixes or Doodles.
Foodle Appearance
Foodles are not large-sized dogs because they are a cross between two small-sized dog breeds.
The Fox Terrier has a wiry or smooth coat, while the mini Poodle has a curly coat that can come in various colors.
The Foodle coat varies from one dog to another because of the hybrid breed. You can expect a full-grown Foodle dog to weigh between 4 and 18 pounds and stand 15 inches tall at the shoulder.
The size of your Foodle dog will largely depend on the size of the Fox Terrier and Poodle used in the breeding program.
Considering that the Fox Terrier and the Poodle come in various colors, you can expect the Foodle dog to come in different colors, depending on genetics.
The common Foodle colors include white, gray, cream, tan, brown, and tan. They can also be a mixture or combination of these colors.
While these dogs are small, they tend to have long skinny legs and large floppy ears. They have broad, robust chests and often look rather shaggy.
In addition, they have big round dark eyes, a small round or pointed head, a long muzzle, and a long furry tail.
Personality and Temperament
Considering that both the Fox Terrier and the Poodle are friendly, fun-loving, and active dogs, you can expect your Foodle dog to share the same traits.
This designer dog has a lot of personality and can be comical sometimes. It is an affectionate dog that enjoys being with the family.
If you are looking for an affectionate dog that will play with your kids, this is one of the best breeds to consider.
Both the Poodle and the Fox Terrier are known for their hunting histories. Therefore, it is likely that your Foodle dog will have a hunting habit.
However, these dogs are intelligent and easy to train. You can teach them good habits and socialize them with other pets in the family.
As with most other doodle dogs, training and socialization should be introduced early at their puppyhood stage. Foodles tend to establish strong bonds between themselves and their owners.
Therefore, it is advisable not to leave your furry friend alone for a long time. Leaving them alone for long periods can lead to separation anxiety.
Exercise Requirements
The Fox Terrier and the Poodle are active and energetic dogs that require a certain amount of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.
However, Foodles are small dogs, so a small play at home or a brisk walk should be enough to meet their exercise needs. These dogs need physical and mental stimulation to keep them out of trouble.
You can offer them doggy jobs, teach them new tricks, or provide them with some doggy puzzles to keep them sharp and entertained.
Grooming
Like other doodle dogs, your Foodle dog will need regular grooming to maintain its healthy, quality coat. Thankfully, grooming them is easy and will not take long because of their small sizes.
You must brush your furry friend at least five times a week with a slicker brush. Bathing them once after two months is enough.
You will also need to brush its teeth and check its ears regularly to prevent ear infections. In addition, you will need to trim their nails when they get long.
Health Issues
Foodles are healthy dogs without many health issues. With good care, a Foodle dog can live up to 15 years.
While they are healthy dogs, they can be prone to a few common health issues in their parent breeds. The following are the common Foodle dog health issues.
Addison’s Disease
Addison’s Disease occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce the required amount of adrenal hormones. These hormones are essential for sustaining life.
The common signs of the condition are lethargy, poor appetite, and gastrointestinal issues. The condition can also cause heart failure. Treatment often involves daily medication.
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
Hip and elbow dysplasia causes a deterioration of the affected joint and can lead to arthritis.
In the case of hip dysplasia, the hip socket does not fit together correctly, and consequently, there is a lot of friction and grinding within the joint.
The common symptoms include difficulty running or jumping, decreased range of motion, looseness in the joint, swaying gait, and lameness in the hind legs.
Treatment for hip dysplasia often involves weight management, exercise restrictions, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medication.
Patellar Luxation
Patellar Luxation is also a joint problem that can be common in Foodle dogs. It occurs when the kneecap slips out of place and can vary in severity, occurring frequently or occasionally.
Its common signs are hind leg lameness and occasional skipping as the dog runs. Treatment can often involve medical surgery, especially in cases where dislocation occurs frequently.
Other common health issues in Foodle dogs include:
- Cataracts
- Cancer
- Ear infections
- Heart diseases.
Conclusion
The Foodle is a friendly, loyal, playful, and affectionate dog that can be a great family companion. Crossing a Fox Terrier and a Poodle creates this designer dog breed.
It inherits the best traits from both parent breeds. If you are looking for an intelligent dog that is easy to train, look no further.
Thanks to their hypoallergenic and non-shedding coats, they are also great for people with dog allergies.